Angiographic evaluation of the ductus diverticulum.
The aortic isthmus in adults has a variable appearance on thoracic aortograms. Its configuration may show a concavity, a straightening or slight convexity, or a discrete focal bulge. The latter finding represents a ductus diverticulum and, in review of 103 aortograms, was found present in 9% of patients. At times a prominent ductus diverticulum may resemble, and be mistaken for, a traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the aortic isthmus. A traumatic pseudoaneurysm may be distinguished from a ductus diverticulum on aortography by demonstration of an intimal flap and/or delayed clearance of contrast material on subtracted films. However, a ductus diverticulum will exhibit neither of these features.
D000783:Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004240:Diverticulum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004373:Ductus Arteriosus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies